Chelsea denied by 10-man Arsenal in dramatic derby

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 2

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Chelsea failed to kill off 10-man Arsenal at Stamford Bridge after David Luiz was sent off.

Jorginho netted a first-half penalty after former Chelsea man Luiz was red-carded for bringing down Tammy Abraham.

The visitors came on strong despite Chelsea’s numerical advantage and Gabriel Martinelli equalised midway through the second half.

Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta restored the lead by heading home Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross with six minutes remaining.

But the Gunners hit back again a couple of minutes later courtesy of Hector Bellerin’s superb strike from the right-hand side of the penalty area.

It denied fourth-placed Chelsea a win which would have taken them eight points clear of Manchester United.

And, after his side’s lack of a cutting edge was punished once again, it will no doubt reinforce boss Frank Lampard’s determination to bring in at least one forward before the transfer window closes.

Luiz was dismissed on 26 minutes – much to the delight of the home fans.

Abraham was put through on goal by an appalling back-pass by Shkodran Mustafi, and after the Chelsea striker took the ball past keeper Bernd Leno, Luiz hauled him down to prevent a certain goal.

Jorginho tucked the resulting spot-kick away with typical calmness.

Chelsea deserved the lead, having dominating the opening stages – Hudson-Odoi’s cross-cum-shot hit the top of the bar and Abraham missed a good chance by heading straight at Leno.

To their credit, Arsenal actually improved after the sending-off.

They were rewarded when Martinelli brilliantly capitalised on a slip by N’Golo Kante by galloping forward and firing past keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

And they hit back again after Azpilicueta had appeared to clinch victory.

Chelsea did not put the ball out of play when Abraham was down injured – and they paid the price.

Abraham had to be helped off the pitch at the end of the game and seemed to be struggling badly.